Repair Warranty: What Counts as a Warranty Case 🛠️
After finishing a repair, finding issues can be stressful. Understanding what is truly a warranty case — and what isn't — helps you act confidently and get defects fixed without unnecessary conflict.
Typical warranty cases ✅
- Poor workmanship: uneven tiling, loose fixtures, crooked finishes.
- Use of wrong or inferior materials compared with what was agreed in the contract.
- Items or unfinished jobs explicitly listed as defects in the handover report.
What usually isn't a warranty case ❌
- Normal wear and tear from everyday use.
- Damage caused by owners or third parties (unauthorized modifications, drilling, dismantling).
- Misuse or lack of maintenance leading to problems (e.g., water damage from neglect).
- Issues with systems not included in the repair contract unless otherwise specified.
How to file a warranty claim: step-by-step 📋
- Document the defect thoroughly: photos, videos, written notes. The clearer the evidence, the stronger your claim.
- Check your contract and the handover act — these usually specify warranty terms and procedures.
- Send a written claim to the contractor (email plus a registered letter if possible) describing the defects and requested remedies: repair or compensation.
- Allow a reasonable time for the contractor to inspect and fix the issues; agree a convenient appointment.
- If the contractor refuses or ignores the claim, keep correspondence, gather evidence, and consider an independent inspection or consumer protection assistance.
Practical homeowner tips 🧰
- Sign a detailed contract with a precise scope of work and list of materials. The more specific, the better protected you are.
- Accept works in stages and sign handover acts — record any remarks in those acts as they become the basis for claims.
- Keep receipts and product warranties for materials and appliances — these help when a defect is due to a product rather than installation.
- Photograph before, during, and after the repair to show when defects appeared.
Contractor vs. Manufacturer responsibilities 🔧
There are generally two warranty sources:
- Warranty on workmanship: provided by the contractor, covering installation and finish defects.
- Warranty on materials and appliances: provided by the manufacturer or supplier, covering product defects.
Correctly identifying the source of the problem determines who must fix it.
If a dispute arises: realistic ways to resolve it 🧭
- Try amicable resolution: negotiation, joint inspection, independent expert opinion.
- Use consumer protection channels if available — they can mediate or advise.
- Legal route: for significant disputes, consult a lawyer and prepare documents for court.
Short example claim wording ✉️
"Please rectify the following defects within the contractual/reasonable period: ..." — then list each defect with photos.
Quick checklist before you claim ✅
- Review contract and handover acts.
- Collect photos and documents.
- Send a written claim and allow time for correction.
- If needed, arrange an independent inspection or legal advice.
If you're planning repairs or already face defects, BuyHome can help review your contract, advise what to add, and assist with making a professional claim. Contact us for advice and help choosing property or contractors: https://buyhome.ge/en
We’re ready to help you make repairs reliable and stress-free!